As an indicator of the changing seasons, this past week has been crazy hot and humid, as if summer is saying, “Don’t let me go!” Because of this, I really don’t like to cook.

See, I moved into my latest apartment last year this time, and while the temperatures were still warm then, it was nothing like it is now. This kitchen is far from my air conditioner, doesn’t have vents over the stove, and the windows are old and without screens unless I put one in myself each time I open them. There also is no storm door at the back, would have been lovely when a cool breeze happens to blow.

My kitchen is not ideal for ho- weather cooking.

When strawberries were at their peak, I love to use them before the season ends. This week, strawberries were on sale, and though that was weird because they are out of season in the Northeast, I gobbled them up before the transition to fall happens. Earlier in the summer, I found this tart recipe. However, I am not the queen of raw baking (when the food is not cooked hotter than 115-118 degrees F. In this case, it is the same as a no-bake dessert.) I like my recipes to be quick and easy, so I substituted the raw crust for a store-bought, graham-cracker crust.

This meant I didn’t need as many strawberries in the bottom of the crust. I made up for this with some extra chocolate, which is a favorite addition for my fiance.

If you like to bake raw desserts, let me know how it turned out! Whether raw or not-so-raw, this tart will fill you with that summer feeling.

Not-so-raw strawberry tartServes 8 to 10

Ingredients:

Store-bought, graham-cracker crust

2 cups sliced strawberries

5 dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes

1 cup whole strawberries, tops removed

2 teaspoons lemon juice

2-3 Tablespoons chocolate chips (dairy-free if vegan)

Recipe:

Place pitted dates in a bowl; cover with warm water.

While waiting for the dates, remove tops and slice two cups of strawberries.

Place strawberries in a single layer on the bottom of the graham-cracker-crust pan.

When 10 minutes are up, place drained dates, a cup of whole strawberries with tops removed and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a food processor. Process until smooth.

Pour the strawberry mixture on top of the strawberries and graham-cracker crust in a single layer.

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. You also can add more sliced strawberries in a design, if you desire.